Conclusions and practical tips
On the basis of fracture toughness tests, during Mode I loading, in which a portion of the binder was replaced with active pozzolanic siliceous FA, it can be concluded that: 1. It is possible to make sustainable green concrete with the addition of FA with high compressive strength and fracture toughness. 2. The FA additive in the amount of 20 and 30% of mass of cement significantly affects the change of compressive strength and fracture toughness in tension. 3. Obtained parameter values of and depend on the age of concrete. cm f S KIc 4. FA additive in the amount of up to 30% of mass of cement drastically reduced compressive strength and fracture toughness at early age. 5. 20% FA additive ensures high and in matured concretes. cm f S KIc 6. Concretes with 30% FA additive are characterized by highest dynamic increase of the parameters and . cm f S KIc 7. After 180 and 365 days, compressive strength and fracture toughness of FA-30 concrete is higher in comparison to the values obtained for reference concrete. 8. Results of the fracture toughness and the compressive strength are convergent qualitatively. Green concretes with the siliceous FA additive are used in building structures – both cubature and industrial. Range of composites, made on the basis of the binders modified with this waste is very rich. Such concretes are used in construction industry: concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed; in structures: monolithic, prefabricated, composite and prestressed. On the basis of the obtained results, several practical tips and recommendations on the use of sustainable concretes, with the siliceous FA, in concrete industry can be suggested: 1. In the case of concretes, which are scheduled for commissioning after 28 days, or later, the preferred solution is to use composites modified with the 20% FA additive.